‘Pushing in’ ceremony takes place for new, $425,000 fire engine

The City of Las Cruces Fire Department conducted a “pushing in” ceremony on Monday, March 28 for Engine 7, the City’s newest fire engine. The $425,000 truck is stationed at Fire Station 7, 1050 Crawford Blvd., near the airport.

The new fire engine, a Spartan Gladiator Pumper, is capable of pumping 1,500 gallons of water per minute and is fully equipped for structural firefighting. Because the firefighters provide service for aircraft emergencies at the Las Cruces International Airport, the apparatus is also equipped with aircraft rescue firefighting gear in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements.

The vehicle was paid for through the City’s Vehicle Acquisition Fund. The engine replaces the 1980s era tender that was providing service at the airport.

The crews who work out of Fire Station 7 provide services including structural firefighting, rescue, emergency medical services, and airport rescue firefighting for the West Mesa area including the industrial park, the airport and frontage roads and Interstate 10 from the Rio Grande to the western city limits.